Update on Chelsea’s Azpilicueta and Loftus-Cheek amid transfer talk

Chelsea reached the FA Cup Final following a rather textbook victory over fellow London outfit Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. A fully revitalised Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored a clinical long-range effort on the day. In addition, the marvel that is marvellous Mason Mount bagged a typically Mount-esque goal. Loftus-Cheek’s rocket transpired after ferocious ball reclaiming from Cesar Azpilicueta, which led to a stunning sequence. Jorginho played Kai Havertz – Roy Keane actually spoke of Havertz’s swagger and prominence in the English game currently – expertly in down the right flank with the German’s vision and technique almost setting up an easy finish. Instead the ball dropped to ‘RLC’. The Englishman found himself on the edge of the box and struck instinctively and wonderfully into the top of the net passed the hapless goalkeeper.

Mount had netted three in four and there are no signs that one of the country’s hottest talents will slow down, at all. The now tremendously important and ‘undroppable’ Timo Werner was involved in a clever interchange with his aforementioned teammate prior to the second finish. Werner controlled an aerial pass with deft aplomb, before playing a delayed one-two with ‘Mase’. An innovative threaded ball emerged from the Germany international, which Mount pounced on and slotted away at Wembley like he’d been doing it for all of his life. Oh yeah – he has! In the deciding clash, the Pensioners face a flying Liverpool

What is to happen with Cesar Azpilicueta and Ruben Loftus-Cheek at Chelsea?

One Chelsea star, Azpilicueta, is expected to leave over the summer. A superclub is touted. While another Blue, Loftus-Cheek, apparently doesn’t want a transfer despite speculation to the contrary. Firstly, the Spaniard has been linked with a switch to Barcelona for a while. ‘Azpi’ is a loyal servant to CFC and I cannot envision fans attempting to question any decision or agreement to leave. Especially if the move is not to a separate Premier League side.

Media talk suggests the adaptable defender is “convinced” that the club will sanction his departure. However, the club have unilateral power to extend his soon-to-be expired deal; yet with sanctions it is unknown what Chelsea will even be able to do with regard to personnel at the moment. There is said to be an agreement in principle between Barca and the 32-year-old.

As previously discussed, RLC has recently been going through somewhat of a rejuvenation period under Thomas Tuchel. A position change for an already versatile professional footballer won’t sound that intense. Nevertheless, the 26-year-old – he is not a spritely youngster looking up at senior squad stars anymore, it is the right time to stake a claim to the starting XI – took to playing at wingback almost like a duck takes to water. Confidence exhibited by the former Palace loanee will help, but his focus, drive and desire is perfectly admirable for ‘Chels’ supporters.

Amid chatter of an England recall, with Gareth Southgate and company admirers, RLC has the world at his feet again. It appears that the midfielder will be staying on Fulham Road, as he will not request a transfer according to the Athletic’s Simon Johnson. Let us know what you think will happen with the pair on PoL’s social media. Will Conor Gallagher’s next move affect Loftus-Cheek?